The Payson Andersons

2009-05-07T23:25:00.010-06:00

They Have Arrived!!

Announcing! Jacob Smith Anderson! Born March 30, 2009 in Manhattan Kansas

Mike and Anne and the boys are really excited to have this good looking little guy, here, finally! He is a mild mannered little man. And both mom and son are doing well!

Cheramie and Shaun also welcomed additions to thier home on May 7th, 2009.

Carter Glade Smith

Mia Lyn Smith

Coleman Lowell Smith

This is a great day in the Anderson and Smith families. The Triplets have arrived and Cherm and the babies are doing well. Everybody is doing OK! that is so great. Cherm went to the Dr. this morning for a checkup and he said lets go to the hospital and get these babies out, (well those weren't his exact words, but you get the idea). This is so exciting! I will fly out tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Bentonville around 11:00 pm. As far as I know there are no names yet; I guess they want to see the babies before giving them a handle. We have called and texted everyone we can think of and hope none were missed.

Evelyn was able to be there for all the births and was thrilled to be able to help out as much as possible. She had a great time with Will, Isaac, and Anderson.

In honor of the big event, Daisy 2 our Wa-gu Angus mix had her baby the same day as the triplets! He is a little bull and I believe I will name him "Triplet"in honor of the big day, instead of "Ferdinand the Fourth".

Will and Isaac have changed my mind about the name "Triplet" for the new bull. They have been calling the triplets; "Twiglets" so now the bull bears the name "Twiglet".

2009-05-05T22:26:00.002-06:00

Growing Old is not for the Faint Hearted
I just got home from the hospital. Grandma Powell was taken to the ER, they suspect infection and slight pneumonia. She seems to be ok, they will admit her tonight and look for any problems. I watched Grandpa and his worry and love for Grandma, I realized it is so true...growing old is not for sissys. They both do the best they can for each other, and where they have been so independent they now must rely on others which is hard for them. The same with Grandma and Grandpa Anderson, his eye surgery went ok, but now he is totally dependent on Grandma and she is doing the best she can but it is very difficult to handle it all. So I have come to the conclusion that the toughest among us are the old ones who get up everyday and face the health challenges, face the long hours of the day with minimal physical strength when they had been active all their lives, and just face life in general and keep pushing on. This is not unlike the pioneers pushing handcarts all day for months on end, they just got up and kept going. I admire that and hope we all think about the "old ones" and the courage they show.
Love,
Dad

2009-05-02T22:24:00.005-06:00

What a Great Day!
Well the kids and grandgirls have all gone home now, and I get to reflect on another birthday come and gone. It has been a very good life so far and with the family and gospel I can only see more wonderful things in store. Don't get me wrong it's not been all easy, but nothing good ever is. The Lord has blessed me greatly none of which I have deserved, but it has been given; ..."good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over..." (Luke 6:38) That is how I honestly feel my life has been! The phone calls starting this morning and interspersed all day, Angie, Ernie, and Anna; Jeff, Britt, and Brooklyn bringing over dinner and then whisking me off the the bowling alley, it was really fun. I have some pictures I will post with this blog of the "Tres Leches" cake and the group gathered around the table (our favorite spot). Thanks for such a great day and life, all of you I love you and "cannot say but the smallest part which is in my heart". You all have brought so much joy to Mutsi and I because of your loyalty to each other, love for each other, and service to each other. What more can an old guy say?
Love, Dad

These are for Mutsi, since she is missing the Lilacs in bloom, they smell Lilacky too!

Here are the blossoms of the bush trees in front

This provides a better close-up they are very pretty

And finally the BIRTHDAY SUPPER! What great kids! And a whole bunch of fun! Thanks for making an old guys Day!

2009-04-22T23:50:00.011-06:00

Now you see it, Now you don't

Bless the our neighbors hearts! I asked Bro. Caldwell what he was doing with his almond tree in the back yard. He had cut it way back. He said he was going to cut it out, but was waiting for a chain saw...mmmm!!! "Chain saw" I said. I ran home and fired up the old "Stihl" saw and cut it down in a couple of minutes. I was feeling pretty good, when Sister Caldwell asked how Evelyn was doing? "Fine" I said; then came the kicker! "How are your doing," I didn't want just cry right there and blubber out "lonely" so I said...."I'm fine." (This might be a litte dramatic, but it is a good story. I REALLY am doing relatively well and better than I thought without Mom here!)
Back to the story. Emily said "I'd like to bring dinner over if I can, when would be a good night!" I graciously said "No, no need" (I like eating chicken patties every meal. (three of them) nothing else.) She insisted and set the night for tonight.

I should have taken a before picture but couldn't wait

If you will imagine then pan half filled with green salad and half with a delicious casserole, mmmm! and the plate with chocolate-chip cookies well I just couldn't wait and take a before shot. So you will have to settle for the after shot.

LESSON:
Sometimes you are the giver and other times the reciever. The trick is to swallow your pride and let others help you out!

GARDEN UPDATE:
Here are some of the tulips that survived the deer. They would come through at night an clip off the tulips at dirt level, so these came back from just being nubs.

they are very pretty when left alone. I'm thinking of applying for a drepredation permit with the fish and game and bag a little tulip fed venison! Lucky for the culprits, they have moved up the mountain now and are nowhere to be seen.

Love you all!

Dad

2009-04-18T09:04:00.007-06:00

Blizzard to 70 in no time at all!

Wednesday it snowed 4 inches in Payson and 13 inches in Alpine! Friday it warmed up enough for Jeff and I to go golfing, which was a lot of fun, but quite a change in weather. Today the prognosticators are saying in the high 60's tomorrow in the 70's. I thought it might be fun to put some pictures of the blossoms which are out now. The apricots have come and gone, however the cherries are just coming in.

This is the Lemon Peach just about to blossom

Again the Lemon peach, man I love this peach tree!

And now the fabled cherry trees!

As you can see things are looking pretty good, however if a later freeze comes we are in trouble.

Last Monday night for FHE I planted some of the cooler plants from seeds: I got Swiss chard in, along with Peas, Onions, and Kohlrabi. I was just beginning to put in some potato sets when a neighbor crowd descended like a cloud of locusts. There were all of a sudden 12 little kids wanting to know if they could help. So I gave them each a potato set and began to dig the holes for them to put them in. One little guy just set his on the trail and proceeded to try to pound it in. I showed him we have to dig a hole and bury it. (I don't think his is goin to make it!) then we covered them all up and that was it. The kids said "thats all!?" They were disappointed, and I was glad, I think they would have driven me crazy if there had been more! That Wed. one of the boys yelled down the street if the potatoes were up yet! This might be a long season! I'm not sure how to deal with 12 kids asking how their potato is doing every 2 days. Oh, well a good experience.

Dad

2009-04-05T22:11:00.002-06:00

What A Conference!
It was great to go to Angies and watch on the superscreen. I heard a lot about temples and the covenants we make to get there and be there. Good food and good company hearing the word, it can't get much better than that.
We have split two wards to make three last week. So after the last session we had some calls to make and new bishopric to train.
Mom is in Arkansas with Cherm and Shawn and Anderson (of course) the triplets and Cherm seen to be getting along ok. Though Cherm is now on a month or so of bed rest to keep them from coming too soon.
Mike and Anne just had their third, we are worring that this baby may not get a name. They seem to be having a hard time coming up with a proper monicle. He was induced early because of just very big kid syndrome. Still over 9 pounds and 22.5 inches long. Another BYU linebacker.
Life is good!

2008-10-21T05:28:00.003-06:00

How High Can Y0u Go?
Mom and I had Fall Break this last weekend. So we thought we would go to Gunlock and see how the cabin is coming along. Thursday we drove down in time to take Grandma and Grandpa Anderson to Tuachan to see "Les Miserables". Of Course we stopped in Beaver to the cheese plant to get some curds and ice cream cones...we sort of plan our trip around making sure the cheese plant is open. Anyway "Les Miz" was good and we had a fun time.
The cabin sure has a different look to it now! I don't know if it is for sure flood proof, but it is really up in the air. They had to jack the whole house up over ten feet and then pour the footings and bearing walls, pretty amazing! Of course Grandma had plenty of work for us to do, but it wasn't bad at all. I thought you might like to see some pictures of the project. The interior 1st floor isn't complete yet; still new flooring to put down but it is looking pretty good, just different.

2008-10-13T23:26:00.002-06:00

I can't sleep
I was just sitting up, not feeling really great, and I thought about all you kids and the grandkids. I have known how lucky I am to have been your dad and grandpa. The memories are just flooding back. I think it was Angie's fault. Last Sunday night she was looking through some of the old pictures when you all were small. And I started going from there. Man we had some great, fun, wonderful, spiritual times. I hope y'all can be so lucky with your little ones as Mom and I were. Anyway I love you all and think and pray for you everyday. The way I see it we have no in-law children, you are all ours when you marry into our family, and we hope you can feel the love we have for you too!
LOVE DAD!

2008-09-22T08:35:00.008-06:00

Look at these Peaches!

A peach with Grandpa Anderson's cane she loves to twirl (sort of)

Another peach with the same cane, only she tries to use the handle which is a little too tall for her.

Two peaches together just kissed but I missed!

Some of the peaches we have growing in the backyard orchard, these are Lemon Elberta, giants and so juicy and sweet!!!

Tennis ball to give perspective, you don't think I'm proud do you?

Finally "My Peach" holding the peaches, the weird shots we are trying to show rapture, however its just not there! Suffice it to say Mutsi loves these peaches!!!!!

2008-09-08T07:51:00.005-06:00

I Brand You, You Brand Me!
Saturday I took Grandpa Anderson out to the farm to load a cow to take to the vet. I thought it would be good for him to get out and do a little "ranching" too!
Well the cow was already in the corral, so I ran her up the chute to load in the trailer, and here is where it all went south. Dad was supposed to push a pole in behind her so she could't back out, he could'nt get there in time so I moved closer to "encourage" her to keep going. She caught me with a good kick in the stomach and ribs before I got her stopped and finallly into the trailer. Then I had to sit down and breathe, she knocked the breath out of me plus threw me back a ways. Dad heard it but didn't see it and asked, "are you alright" of course being tough I said "yes" when I really thought was "this d----- cow has kicked me into next week!
Anyway this evening was the adult session of Stake Conference and I was to speak with the rest of the Presidency. But, Noooooo! By six I felt a need to go to the emergency room and get a soft tissue check, possible liver or spleen damage...whatever is on the right side of your body! I told the doc I needed to be out by seven to give a speech! He of course rolled his eyes and said it isn't going to happen.
What's cool about going to hospital here is they know me, so check in is "Hi Pres. whats wrong?"
Nurse comes in "Hello Pres. what happened to you?" The Doctor comes in, "Hey Pre. are you visiting someone here" Well you get the idea. But it can be embarassing too! Like just as you are drifting out of reality for you Colonoscopy and you hear the nurse say "Hi Pres. well I can tell everyone I've seen parts of you no one else has" Geez, what a way to pass out!
Current problems are ok though. I'm as sore as heck, even where the ribs attach to my spine felt like they got popped off. But I'm feeling better now...Monday... though sleep isnt' anything to write home about.
I guess turnabout is fair play...I branded her, she branded me. By the way we will be having a lot of steaks this week.
Mom wanted to take a picture of the hoof imprint on my stomach, but I thought I would spare you all the view of a hairy somach with a purple cow hoof imprint tatoo.

2008-08-26T13:50:00.002-06:00

Grandma Anderson is now in rehab!
I knew that would get your attention! She has been moved down to physical therapy part of the hospital. This means she is doing very well and can get PT more easily. Plus they leave her alone and she can get some sleep. No meds, just walking, eating, and sleeping...mmm sounds pretty cushy to me! All you have to do is get a metal knee!
Mom is still working at the Seminary, she reports it is getting less hectic and she is feeling better about it. She is finding delight in the kids that come and say "hi".
Devan reports that James has the answer to all our dreams. They were coming home from the cabin and James said "Dad, I have the answer to all your dreams" Devan thinking this might be a great teaching moment said "Jamesy...I have a wife I love dearly, super wonderful children, a job that pays our bills"...James cuts in "no dad the answer to all your dreams is...five dollar pizza!" I'm not sure if James was hungry and dropping a hint, or if that really is the answer to all our dreams.

2008-08-25T09:46:00.004-06:00

News Update about Grandma Anderson
Mom had her left knee replaced on the 19th and has been slowly getting better. Yesterday she had some problems with nausea, it seems that the iron they were pumping into her really didn't sit well. This morning though she was a lot better and may be moved to the rehab. center sometime today. The staff don't quite know how to take her wit and dry humor. She will ask things like "what if I don't want to go?" or "you can't make me can you?" But she has been a trooper and each day is getting better.
She is in the Mountain View Hospital in Payson, and would like to go home! I think they are thinking about 3 more days before letting her go home. The 20th they found a colt in the back of her knee, and that changed everything. The worry was a clot moving to lungs or heart or brain, so they have kept close tabs on her.

2008-08-22T09:36:00.002-06:00

Mike and Ann's visitMutsi and Papa went to Nauvoo and all we got were these hats!

This is how you skip across the water!

A new meaning to "Mike and Ike" and they love the water

mmm... I wonder if I turn this will the pool flush, and drown the Ninja Turtles?

Geez... I love these slides!

Mutsi and I had a great time with you all, thanks for coming and blessing our lives, we

"Love you this much" said the one armed fisherman!

2008-08-21T10:32:00.009-06:00

Cheramie and Anderson's visit, we all missed Shaun however!

What a treat to get to know this sweet little guy more! I don't know what it is about all the grandkids and those soft cuddley stuffed animals or blankets, but its great!

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE! Yep that is a scuffle hoe in his right hand, a farmer at heart!

Hot days make great pool time for little fishies

Mom? What did you do at the pool on those hot days? "Well....I dropped out of airplanes and did face plants...for fun. Here is proof!"

"And occasionally I would perform my world famous "head drop" This is not to be done by amateurs. It is a little tingley on the top of the head but other than that it's quite fun!"

Cheramie and Angie and I at the finish line for the ULCER bike race. We beat last years time by 16 minutes! Next year I will be down 40 pounds, and we will fly like the wind

2008-08-21T10:23:00.006-06:00

Park City retreat for Mutsi and Papa

Gondola view of the Canyons and where we stayed

Ibid...

Free shuttle to Park City, Great views, hiking, and biking the trails were super, I used this week to get ready for the ULCER race. (Utah Lake Century Epic Ride) The condo was ok for what we needed, plus I read 3 books this week!

2008-08-21T09:49:00.009-06:00

Here is a picture synopsis of the last month. Busy, Fun, but busy!

Dev and Robs Visit over the 24th of July!

Little Pioneers!

At the Grotto!

Cold water for Zonies and Mutsi Zonie

Anna's not quite sure about the cold water as well

The CIty Pool on a hot day!

2008-07-21T08:54:00.002-06:00

We made it home Saturday evening grateful to have gone and more grateful to be home.
The filight in and out of Denver are hairy, and we more than white knuckled it flying into Denver from Omaha.

The Church History was great and we found references to some relatives that crossed the plains part way and died on the trail. Some in Mount Pisgah and in Winter Quarters.

Some pictures of such places:

Mount Pisgah-

Alvah Hancock is my 4th gggGrandfather who died at Mt. Pisgah

John Lawrence is Mom's gggGrandfather who died at Winter Quarters. His name was on the book on display in the visitors center, across the street from the Pioneer Cemetery.

And on the plaque in the Cemetery with a son and possibly a daughter. Tough times in Winter Quarters in 1846.

2008-07-11T09:54:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Mom and I spent the day collecting stuff and getting ready for our big Midwest Workshop. We spent a ton on clothes. I know Mom will look sharp, me on the other hand?...it will be debateable.
We will travel Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and hit the Church History sites. Should be fun. We have a presentation to make at Far West, Missouri. New shirts, pants, you won't be able to recognize us all decked out!
I am getting ready to ride in the ULCER race. It is tough getting in the miles needed for the ride. Cheramie and Angie have registered too, We are riding as a team! I selected the name and Mom thinks it not such a good one. We are called "The Flying Desert Monkeys" Now you know how Mom thought what she thought. But the name is better than ..."Team, Do It The Hard Way" which would be my second choice. "Ride Hard or Don't Ride Hard"

2008-07-09T10:00:00.003-06:00

On May 22 Dad was inducted into the Nebo Hall of Fame. It was nice to see some of the kids he has coached and the feelings they had for him. His whole family was there as well as many of the grandkids and great grandkids. I think he appreciated the family around more than the induction. I carved him a little coach for the occasion.

The Coach's family

I think I'll name him..mmm...mini-me!

Another great coach too!

Congratulations Dad and Mom we are very proud of you!